NEXCO East Japan holds snow removal safety ceremonies and skill competitions

NEXCO East Japan is conducting preparations for the upcoming winter season through safety ceremonies and technical skill competitions across Japan.

In Akita City, the NEXCO East Japan Akita Management Office held a safety prayer and snow removal vehicle deployment ceremony. Approximately 140 participants, including staff and prefectural police highway units, attended the event to pledge safety for winter operations.

In Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, a snow removal vehicle operation competition was held to improve technical skills and facilitate the transfer of expertise to younger workers. Twenty-one participants from four local offices competed in nine challenges testing vehicle control, speed, and precision. While ICT is being utilized to assist less experienced operators amidst labor shortages, officials noted that advanced human judgment and manual skills remain essential for safe operations on highways.